“Poison Pen” in Village

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 212, 10 September 1935, Page 10

“Poison Pen” in Village

FALSE CHARGES MADE AFTER WOMEN’S DEATH

The evil that village gossip and an onyinous letters can do was brought homo to mo when I visited the picturesque West Sussex hamlet of Nutbourne near Chichester, to investigate communications which reached not only the local police but also Scotland Yard. An innocent family known and respected hero for years has been victimised by a poison pen (says a writer in the Daily Mail.) The family is that of Air and Airs F. A. V. Botterill. Mrs Botterill’s 69-year-old mother, Mrs Elizabeth Webster Jago. widow of a retired confectioner, died in the cottage on Wednesday. Her death was the signal for the composition of a number of anonymous letters which, the police are now satisfied. were written without any foundation whatever. One letter was sent to the local police, and three others were addressed to Scotland Yard. One letter alleged that for .12 months before her death Airs Jago was kept prisoner in a room in her daughter’s house. Other letters received by Scotland Yard made suggestions so serious that they were immediately forwarded to the local police for inquiries to b.‘ instituted. The police called at the house. W hen I saw Air and Airs Botterill today they were greatly disturbed by the letters, although they said the polic? had told them there was nothing to worry about. They showed me a copy of the death certificate signed by Dr. Hugh I’. I’. Ilurnbull. The causes of were given as myocardial degeneration (degeneration of the muscles of the heart) and senile dementia, "Mother was knocked down by a car 12 months ago. She had since been receiving medical attention, and had been unbalanced and subject to brainstorms,” Airs BottcriH told me. “Dr. Turnbull was with her when she died. He had ordered me to keep mother in her room for her own safety. ’’ “I would welcome a post mortem examination if it would put a stop to ihe.-e terrible suggestions.” Dr’ Turnbull said to me: “The suggestions in the letters which th- police have shown me, arc absolutely unfounded, and there is iij need for a post mortem. It. was on my instructions that. Mrs Jago was con lined to her room. “The letters suggested that the children had been taught, to hale Mrs Jago, but actually they were devoted to her. and loved their granny.’’ “What Would your wile say if yon bought a new car”’ “Look out for the traffic, light! Be careful now! Don’t hit That van! Why don’t you watch when 1 vou’re going.’ Will you never learn? And a lot ,'iW r ' ke that.’’